Mr. Bamir Topi thanked Lithuania for supporting his country on the road to NATO and the European Union and for its constructive approach to the Kosovo problem. He invited the Lithuanian President to come on a state visit to Albania.

Mr. Adamkus underlined that stability and civilized dialogue in the Western Balkan region were important for the whole of Europe. He pointed out that the invitation extended to Albania and Croatia to join NATO and the ongoing intensive dialogue on their membership in the European Union was a reliable factor to stabilize the region. The Lithuanian President expressed hope that yet another Western Balkan country, Macedonia, would proceed on the path of Euro-Atlantic integration and eventually find a solution in its dispute with Greece over the name of this country.

The two presidents emphasized that the joint efforts of the international community helped find a answer to the future of Kosovo. “The resolution of old political problems in Western Balkans, the successful march of Albania, Croatia and other countries of the region on the path of reforms and Transatlantic integration opened new opportunities for investment and a deeper political dialogue between the regions,” Mr. Adamkus said. He asked for Albania’s support to the Lithuanian candidate for the position of UNESCO’s Secretary General.